Devotional For Today
By Dr David Sumrall
Philemon 17-22 NLT So if you consider me your partner, give him the same welcome you would give me if I were coming. If he has harmed you in any way or stolen anything from you, charge me for it. I, Paul, write this in my own handwriting: “I will repay it.” And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! Yes, dear brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! Please keep a guest room ready for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
Paul had a friendship relationship with Philemon and he asked him to treat another man in the same way he would treat him. Onesimus had been very kind to Paul but had hurt Philemon. Onesimus have been a friend to Paul but a deserted slave to Philemon. Paul now asked Philemon to be a friend to his friend. You and I must learn, that friendship has a responsibility. When we are friends with someone, we then take on their relationships. We take on their friends and we take on their enemies. However, do not take this truth so far that you use to control others. But recognize that in every friendship relationship, you are taking on their relationships also. Part of being a friend, is being a
friend to their friends in spite of how they have treated you.
